Jamaica

1. The beaches, mountains and carnal red sunsets of Jamaica regularly appear in the world's tourist brochures. You have great options! You can choose a private villa with your own private beach; laugh your vacation away at a party-hearty resort or throw yourself into the thick of the island's life.

2. Some facts you need to know-People fall into these origins: 76% African descent, 15% Afro-European descent, 4% European, 3% East Indian & Middle Eastern, 1% Afro-Chinese & Chinese Language: English and patois.

3. Canadian citizens and US citizens do not need passports for visits up to six months. All other visitors must arrive with a passport, but most western travelers do not need a visa.

4. Some basic information: Health risks: None Time: UTC minus 6 hours Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz Weights & measures: Imperial

5. Jamaica is a year-round destination, thanks to its idyllic tropical maritime climate. Seasons are virtually non-existent and daytime maximum temperatures along the coast hover constantly around 80-86°F (27-30°C). Even up in the Blue Mountains temperatures are only just under 68°F (20°C) for most of the year.

6. If you plan on spending time on the east coast or in the Blue Mountains, you may wish to take account of the so-called rainy season, which extends from May to November with two peaks: May/ June and October/ November. Although this time of year is a little more humid than others, rain usually falls for short periods (normally in the late afternoon) and it's quite possible to enjoy sunshine for most of your visit.

7. The peak tourist season runs from mid-December to mid-April, with Christmas and Easter the busiest weeks. During this period the resort areas of the island are flooded with foreign tourists and hotel prices are highest. You can save money (40% or more at some hotels) by visiting Jamaica during the less-crowded low season, which lasts from May to November.

8. Jamaica hosts a full calendar of musical, artistic, cultural and sporting events.

9. The currency is Jamaican dollar (called jay).

10. Meals Budget: US$2-5 Mid-range: US$10-20 Top-end: US$20 and upwards. Lodging-Budget: US$15-25 Mid-range: US$25-60 Top-end: US$60 and upwards.

11. Jamaica is relatively inexpensive compared to other Caribbean islands, though how much you spend depends largely on the style in which you travel. Budget travelers will need around US$20-30 per day, while those staying in comfortable hotels and eating at tourist restaurants will need at least US$75 per day - add another US$50 per day if you hire a car. Rates at all-inclusive resorts begin at $300.

12. All major brands of traveler's cheques and credit cards are accepted in Jamaica. You can exchange money at banks, licensed exchange bureaus or hotels, though the rate at hotels is usually 2% to 5% below the bank rate. Plenty of Jamaicans will approach you to change Jamaican dollars on the black market. This is illegal and the black market rate is usually only 5% to 10% better than the bank rate.

13. The government charges a 15% General Consumption Tax on hotel and restaurant bills and most purchases from shops. Most hotels add an additional 10% service charge. A 10% tip is considered normal in most hotels and restaurants, though some restaurants add a 10% to 15% service charge, in which case there's no need to leave an additional tip. Most prices in shops are fixed but bargaining at street stalls and markets is expected. Bargaining occasionally gets a bit brusque so do your best to keep things good-natured.

14. The majority of budget hotels are on the south side of New Kingston. There are heaps of good food options. You can smell the spice and smoke as you drive along. Red Hills Road is one place for street parties and discos, but regardless of which area you find yourself roaming, reggae music is sure to be blaring.

15. Jamaica has panoply of sports and special-interest activities (quite possible that you may get bored of the beach). Hikers could spend weeks exploring Jamaica's embryonic trail system, mainly in the Blue Mountains, or tramping rough bridle tracks nationwide. Golf, horse riding and scuba diving are the main activities.

16. From hotel beach parties to the raw discos of the working-class suburbs, Jamaica reverberates to the soul-riveting sounds of Calypso, Soca (a soul-calypso fusion) and reggae. Music is everywhere.

17. Officially English is the spoken language but in reality, Jamaica is a bilingual country and English is far more widely understood than spoken. The unofficial lingo is patois - a musical dialect with a uniquely Jamaican rhythm and cadence. Patois evolved from the Creole English and a twisted alchemy of the mother tongue peppered with African, Portuguese and Spanish terms, and Rastafarian slang.

18. Beware of marijuana or hallucinogenic mushroom teas, which may be more than you bargained for in an after-dinner digestive! Skyjuice is a favorite cool drink, made from shaved ice flavored with syrup. Coconut juice, straight from the nut, is also popular. Beer and rum are the most popular alcoholic drinks. Jamaican Blue Mountains coffee is among the most flavorsome in the world, but due to farcical authentication and licensing requirements, much of what is sold as the genuine article is not all it's cracked up to be.

19. Jamaica's idyllic tropical maritime climate means that dramatic fluctuations in temperature are virtually non-existent. However, weather patterns can change quickly especially during rain-prone months of May to December.

20. Jamaica is easy to get to, enjoying one of the best air feeds in the Caribbean from both North America (usually Miami or New York) and Europe.

21. Intra-island flights can be a quick way to travel between Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Helicopters can also be chartered for scenic rides or for personalized tours, but this will dig a deep hole in your money. Jamaica's bus 'system,' while comprehensive, is the epitome of chaos: timetables don't really exist and buses are often literally overflowing. Buses and minibuses do service every village in the country though, so if you're getting out and about, you're sure to use them. The upside is that they're inexpensive and a great way to meet the locals. Whether you find traveling by bus fun, frustrating, freaky or infuriating depends on your frame of mind.

22. Numerous local and international operators rent cars and motorcycles. Road conditions vary from excellent to awful, driver temperament varies from merely impatient to flagrantly suicidal. Expect to be honked at, sworn at and swerved around. Stay calm and stay cautious, and if you do 'mash up,' don't be drawn into an argument with an emotional Jamaican driver.

 

Very few Jamaicans have bicycles, but you can rent bikes in towns of any size.

Jamaica's homegrown cuisine is a fusion of many ethnic traditions, with Arawak Indian, Spanish, African, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese and British influences all detectable. A typical Jamaican breakfast is ackee, a tree-grown fruit that bears an uncanny resemblance to scrambled eggs when cooked. Lunch is usually a light snack, maybe heavily seasoned meat or vegetable pie. Main meals usually feature goat or pork, usually curried, served with rice and beans. Seafood dishes are also popular, often pickled and fried with peppers and onions. Jamaica's most popular dish is jerk, a term that describes the process of cooking meats smothered in tongue-searing marinade, and barbecued slowly in an outdoor pit over a fire of pimento wood, which gives the meat its distinctive flavor. Tea is a generic Jamaican term for any hot, brewed drink, and may be herbal, mixed with rum, milk, spices and even fish.